Manchester United look to set to capture highly rated French under-21 midfielder Nampalys Mendy on a free transfer.

Newspapers in France are reporting that the 20-year-old defensive midfielder has rejected a new contract offer from his present club Monaco as he looks for a new challenge with the Premier League champions.

Mendy, who has been compared to former Chelsea star Claude Makelele, told boss Claudio Ranieri he wanted to leave the club at the end of the season as he feared his playing time at Monaco would be limited.

Mendy wants to join David Moyes at United

Ranieri, who fielded Mendy 31 times last season, insists he has been left stunned by the midfielder’s decision.

The former Chelsea boss said: ‘I do not understand his [Mendy’s] attitude. As soon as I saw him play, I said here is our Makelele. I trusted him and I played him.

‘I think he will miss out on a great deal. But it’s his life, not mine. He has preferred to listen to his brother and agent and not his coach. It’s a shame.’

Mendy helped France’s under-21 side secure third place in the Toulon tournament on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Portugal.